article written by Patricia Comninos Y12
The “Pay It Forward” movement was inspired by the author Catherine Ryan Hyde who published her novel of the same name in 1999. Soon after, in 2007, Blake Beattie initiated the “Pay It Forward” day to celebrate how a small act of kindness can have a positive ripple effect on a worldwide scale. On the 28th of April, over 85 countries celebrate Pay It Forward Day with the aim to encourage people to be benevolent all year round.
Although formalized in some instances, acts of kindness often come from individuals that are willing to take the time and make an effort, whether small or large. Earlier this week, two interviewers from our team had the unique opportunity to discuss the matter with activist Pauline Town. After discussing with her, it indeed became evident that it is the kind-heartedness and selflessness of the people involved that renders all she does – from helping the homeless to those with both mental health and domestic violence issues to those facing poverty – possible.
Based in Manchester, Pauline Town runs the Station Hotel which takes on both the roles of pub from Friday to Sunday and the town’s “We Shall Overcome” hub from Monday to Thursday. Town currently runs this pub in collaboration with her brother, along with the help of the rest of her family and countless volunteers. They prepare around 120 packed lunches every day and distribute them to those in need. A lot of emphasis is also placed on the importance of preventative work, such as workshops and raising awareness on this global issue.
As the British housing crisis worsens, Town’s activism is increasingly invaluable. During our discussion, Town clarified that each homeless person is without shelter for different reasons; thus, what is most vital is to try and help. She explained that many citizens ignore the homeless that they pass on the streets and don’t try to offer any help – not even some kind words. Naturally, such behavior makes those that are suffering feel as though they are invisible and worthless. However, Town mentioned that it is also just as important to know when to step back if it is apparent that a person does not want to receive any help or if they need additional support from professional services. She pointed out that no matter how much she tries to help every individual, ultimately it is only the government that has the power and ability to tackle the homelessness crisis. In order for “genuine change” to occur, as Town put it, the British authorities should provide social housing.
In 2021, Pauline Town was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) by the Queen of England. True to her cause, Town decided to have the award ceremony with the Vice Lord Lieutenant of Great Manchester at the pub in order to share the nice meal with all the volunteers and homeless. Despite first trying to convince people not to nominate her for the award as she did not want to be singled out for the collective efforts that were taking place, Town admits that this recognition helped the pub gain more media coverage. Notably, more volunteers joined as people understood that the pub was established and truly helped those in need. Nevertheless, Town highlighted that it was not the increase in volunteers that made the big difference but instead the real benefit from such attention was that businesses started reaching out to help by donating their products. For instance, a bakery decided to provide free bread that Town could distribute. These contributions are much appreciated, as the pub relies on donations and the goodwill of Britain’s citizens. Indeed, the pub already had numerous volunteers: most were previously in poverty or without shelter, had then accepted Town’s goodwill and services, and were now coming back to the pub to help others. Town made reference to this cycle of benevolence as people that were “paying it forward”.
On a final note, it was evident during our discussion that the attitude of doing “that little bit extra to help people”, as Town stated, must be instilled from a young age. If everyone could be that slight bit more benevolent and willing to pay it forward, the world would surely be a better place.
resources used for article: https://globalpayitforwardday.com
The Update 